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. • <br /> . , <br /> SEPTIC SYSTEM INFORMATION SHEET <br /> WHAT IS IN MY BACK YARD AND HOW DOES IT WORK? . <br /> Most houses built in Orono after 1960 where city sewer is not <br /> available have two septic tanks, one or more distribution boxes and <br /> a number of drainfield trenches . In the septic tanks, heavy sewage <br /> solids will settle to the bottom and be decomposed by anaerobic <br /> (oxygen-free) bacteria action. Floating solids such as grease, <br /> fat, and soap scum will be retained inside the tank by baffles at <br /> the inlet and outlet. This ensures that the effluent entering the <br /> drainfield is relatively free of solids, which tend to clog up clay <br /> soils. <br /> Many houses built after 1975 have mo�.nd drainfields . These <br /> systems function on the same princigles as trencr drainfields <br /> except that the trench bed is installed above the original ground <br /> to provide a separation from the seasonally high water table and <br /> allow the system to function adeguately. <br /> TRENCH SYSTEM <br /> c-:r a r c �—, c -S a � –s a -a o a„� <br /> � � � , o o • s • �• o a a { ry . a � O e�i <br /> , � �• •• d1S�lblltl021 bOX• � �� y� o r�e _ <br /> floating solids drainfields <br /> sludge � � <br /> MOUND SYSTEM � <br /> � <br /> ,:��!,`� ,.�•�,� .; s•i_ –:i t'%-- <br /> _..;:�- — <br /> �ing chamber <br /> HOW CAN I MAKE MY SEPTIC SYSTEM LAST LONGER? <br /> 1. Do not use your toilet or kitchen sink as a garbage can. <br /> Undigested foods and cigarette butts will not decompose in the <br /> septic tanks (this includes the use of garbage disposals ! ) . <br /> 2 . Have your tanks pumped at least once every three years (once every <br /> two years is necessary with garbage disposals) . This will probably <br /> cost you $80 - $125 . If you do not specifically ask the pumping <br /> contractor to open up your tanks, he will probably just put the <br /> � hose down the inspection riser and drain the liquid from the tanks . <br /> This inethod will not effectivel remove the solids! The tanlcs <br /> should be opened in order to. stir the contents while pumping to <br /> break up the sludge and scum layers. The baffles can also be . <br /> cleaned, examined, and repaired (if necessary) at this time. � <br />